Non-Hormonal Treatments for Hot Flashes

The University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
Last Modified: December 13, 2011

Question

Can you recommend non-hormonal treatments for hot flashes/symptoms of menopause?

Answer

Kevin Fox, MD, Medical Oncologist at Penn , responds:

The non-hormonal treatments, which have been shown conclusively to help with hot flashes, include low doses of antidepressants (venlafaxine is the one we prescribe the most) or gabapentin. They are probably equally effective; though we have more experience with venlafaxine.